Ch-Ch-Changes: 2011 Honda Insight

To better compete against the Toyota Prius, Honda has added more standard safety and content features as well as a new entry-level Insight hybrid for the 2011 model year.

The new entry-level trim will be called “Insight” when it goes on sale Wednesday; the LX and EX trims are still available. The model will be priced at $18,200, excluding a $750 destination fee. That’s $1,600 less than the 2010 Insight, making it the most affordable hybrid currently on the market.

The new entry-level trim comes with air conditioning; automatic climate control; power windows, locks and side mirrors; remote keyless entry; tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a basic CD player with two speakers and auxiliary jack.

All 2011 Insights now come with electronic stability control standard; it was only available on the EX trim last year.

The LX trim adds cruise control, a USB input, center armrest storage, security system and floormats to its standard features list.

The EX trim now has steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, which was exclusive to the EX with Navigation trim last year. Besides that, the EX remains unchanged, with alloy wheels, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals.

The 2011 Honda Insight is rated at 40/43/41 mpg city/highway/combined, which is 9 mpg less than the Prius’ combined city/highway mileage of 50 mpg, but with $4,600 now separating the two models, the Insight might be a more attractive purchase for some.

Continue reading below for more detailed pricing:

2011 Honda Insight pricing (2010 pricing)

• Insight: $18,200 (N/A) 
• LX: $19,900 ($19,800) 
• EX: $21,490 ($21,300) 
• EX with Navigation: $23,265 ($23,100) 
• Destination charge: $750 ($750)